Collecting data required to make improvements and/or modifications
Overseeing the construction of new plants
Using and developing complicated process simulation software
Purchasing and installing equipment
Using scientific principles related to magnitude, momentum, heat transfer etc
Supervising plant operations
Investigating and troubleshooting plant/process problems
Scheduling and co-ordinating work to tight deadlines and within financial budgets
Ensuring that equipment works to its specification and to appropriate capacities
Assessing safety and environmental issues
Liaising with installation/project engineers and specialists
Ensuring safe working conditions and compliance with health and safety legislation
Job Specification
Chemical engineers should have a degree in chemical/process engineering. The fastest route to gaining Institution of Chemical Engineers chartered status is to take an accredited MEng degree followed by at least four years' vocational training with an accredited employer. A postgraduate qualification can be beneficial, as can relevant manufacturing or process industry work experience.
Opportunities to gain experience and an insight into the profession are provided by many employers via vacation work, sponsorship and industrial placements.